Story Highlights
Six couples file lawsuit in 2005 after they were denied marriage licenses
Suit: Denials violated equal-protection, due-process under state constitution
District judge rules: Same-sex couples "may not be denied licenses to marry"
Court strikes down state law declaring marriage only between man and woman

(CNN) -- An Iowa district court ruled Thursday that same-sex couples can marry based on the state constitution's guarantee of equal treatment, court documents show.

The ruling was in response to a December 2005 lawsuit brought by six same-sex couples seeking to wed. They were denied marriage licenses and claimed such treatment violates equal-protection and due-process clauses in the Iowa constitution.

The court also struck down a state law declaring valid marriages are only between a man and woman.

The Iowa District Court for Polk County advances the case to the Iowa Supreme Court which will make a final decision on same-sex marriage, according to Lambda Legal, a gay and lesbian legal organization representing the couples.

The 63-page ruling, written by Judge Robert Hanson states: "Couples, such as plaintiffs, who are otherwise qualified to marry one another may not be denied licenses to marry or certificates of marriage or in any other way prevented from entering into a civil marriage pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 595 by reason of the fact that both persons compromising such a couple are of the same sex."

The law describing marriage as between a man and a woman, "constitutes the most intrusive means by the state to regulate marriage. This statute is an absolute prohibition on the ability of gay and lesbian individuals to marry a person of their choosing," Hanson wrote.

Lambda says the six couples are all in long-term relationship - one couple has been together for six years, another couple has been together for 17 years.

"Three of the couples are raising children, others are planning families, and all want the responsibilities of marriage and the protections only marriage can provide," according to the organization.

"We respectfully disagree with the court's decision, and we're going to ask for a stay," said Polk County Attorney John Sarcone.

He said his office will examine whether it's best to file a motion to reconsider. But barring a change in the court's opinion, Sarcone will appeal the ruling.

Co-counsel for the plaintiffs along with Lambda Legal, Dennis Johnson called the ruling "a significant step forward in recognizing the constitutional rights of all Iowans, and it's an amazing day for same-sex couples and their families all across Iowa."

While it may not be the main event of the year on the global gay calendar,
organiser Takashi Nakada says it's important that gay people make themselves seen.

SOUNDBITE Takashi Nakada, parade organiser, saying (Japanese):
"In Japanese society, many gay and lesbian people still hesitate to
come out. We hope many straight people watch this parade today and find out that gays and lesbians are out there, naturally, just like straight
people"

Japanese society, which is often seen as conservative, is undergoing an
awakening in terms of lesbian, gay and bisexual issues.

In June, Kanako Otsuji, backed by the opposition Democratic Party became
the first openly lesbian politician to run for parliament.

Although she was not successful in her attempt, her campaign did raise
awareness of gay rights in Japan.

Many of the 3,000 participants want a change in the law in Japan to
recognize same-sex partnerships.

SOUNDBITE Joe, female participant, saying (Japanese):
"Unlike some other countries, in Japan same-sex couples are not
officially recognized as spouses or domestic partners. This is causing a
serious problem because we can never treat our partners as family
members."

For today however, these issues have been set aside as revellers party in
downtown Tokyo.